The thought of 3D printed food might come across as a novelty to some, but it’s actually one of the fastest growing markets for 3D printing technology. The ability to 3D print complex shapes, textures and compositions allows for innovative food applications that would be difficult to achieve manually.

Some 3D printed food applications are plain weird, while others have the potential to drive the human race forward. Here are 4 of the most interesting 3D printed food stories in recent years.

Try 3D printed food in your local pizzeria

Okay, so 3D printed pizza probably isn’t available in your local establishment, but it is in the renowned Ribalta restaurant, located in New York City. Celebrity chef Pasquale Cozzolino is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Italian cuisine, and this is no exception.

Interestingly, Cozzolino doesn’t view this process as a novelty, he believes that 3D printing can result in extraordinary food quality, without using up labour resources. Could this be a fad or a major disruption to the restaurant industry? Only time will tell.

The world’s first 3D printed food restaurant is coming to London in the near future - so stayed tuned!

Custom chocolate

One of the great things about 3D printing for food applications is that it enables a high level of personalization. When 3D printing chocolates, you can easily integrate your partner’s name on the product for a Valentine’s Day gift.

Hershey is one brand that has embraced 3D printing. Teaming up with SciFutures, a California-based technology company, Hershey plans to takeover the world of custom confectionary. Check out this awesome video of Hershey’s 3D chocolate printer.

For those with dietary restrictions - don’t worry! Magic Candy is vegan, vegetarian and kosher - so everyone can enjoy them. They’re made from real fruits, with natural colours and flavours.

One of the best parts of the business is that consumers can watch their treats be created in-person, before chomping down. Seeing the 3D printer deposit the candy helps to make it a magical process. especially when you’re eating the face of Hollywood star, Elijah Wood.

Visit the company’s site and you’ll see they offer corporate gifts (with your company’s logo printed) and will even set up a 3D printing stall for your wedding!

Mashed banana

After mentioning 3 innovative and commercially viable applications, it’s worth including one which is quite simply, well, peculiar. Have you ever wanted to 3D print mashed banana? No? Well, you can if you really want to, although you probably won’t want to eat the results.

When 3Digital Cooks' founder, Luis Rodriguez Alcalde, took on this task, he hoped to create something delicious.His first attempt at creating 3D printed mashed banana utilised potato starch as a stabilizer - the end product was was brown, lumpy and unappealing to look at. On the second attempt, a smoother puree and orange juice was included - which resulted in a product that resembled an alien lifeform.

Not every 3D printed food is going to produce great results - so experiment at your peril!